Coconut-Cherry-White Chocolate Bars

My next-door neighbor is 85 years old and still spends her days in the kitchen! Needless to say, her bars cause quite a stir between the surrounding homes!

• Ready In: 41 mins
• Yields: 24 bars, depending on size and shape

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter, softened
• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 3⁄4 cup  firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2  large eggs
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2  cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1  cup  uncooked quick oats
• 2  cups white chocolate chips, divided
• 1  cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 3⁄4 cup dried cherries

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cream the butter and both sugars with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla; blend until smooth.
4. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the butter mixture with the mixer now on low speed.
5. Mix just until blended.
6. Add the oats; stir until combined.
7. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the white chocolate chips, the coconut, and cherries; beat just until well mixed.
8. Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 15 x 10 jelly-roll pan.
9. Sprinkle the remaining white chocolate chips on top; bake 16-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is almost set.
10. Cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into diamonds, squares, or strips.